/: Bryce Canyon, Zion & Adventure

Trip Summary

Explore the wonders of three national parks: Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon on this eight-day adventure through the American Southwest. Discover your favorite vista from the South Rim as you hike down into the depths of the Grand Canyon via the South Kaibab trail. Photograph the dramatic scenery of sights like Horseshoe Bend and Antelope Canyon. Soak up the sorbet-colored, sandcastle-like spires and hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. Trek down the Narrows and peer beyond Angels Landing after a 1400 ft ascent in Zion National Park. This Southwest hiking adventure gets you intimately acquainted with three of America’s most stunningly beautiful national parks.

The toughest part is going home.SM Arizona/Utah: Bryce Canyon, Zion & Grand Canyon Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Las Vegas | Grand Canyon National Park

Las Vegas Arrival: Welcome to Las Vegas, Nevada! Your guides will pick you up in the morning from your pre-trip hotel. Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Drive: Leave the “City of Lights” behind as we make our way down to Arizona and the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, a 4.5-hour drive plus stops. Drive through the red-orange desert in Nevada and enter into spotty pine forests that crop up in Arizona. Eventually, we arrive at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Grand Canyon National Park: It’s easy to understand why the Grand Canyon is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World when you view its majestic features in person. A mile deep and nearly 18 miles wide, the Grand Canyon shows off water’s mighty erosive work on its ribbony walls and cavernous cuts. The claims 277 miles of the canyon home, where it swerves and roars between the colorful banded rock on the canyon floor. This National Park offers an array of adventure choices for visitors, from rafting to hiking to biking. Hike: Embark on a wow-inducing hike skirting the rim of the Grand Canyon for about 3-4 miles, eventually arriving at your lodging for the evening. Along the way, there will be plenty of overlook points to view and photograph the incredible colors and angles of Grand Canyon National Park. Accommodation: Kachina Lodge (L,D)

Day 2: Grand Canyon National Park | South Rim Village

South Kaibab Trail to Cedar Ridge Hike: Genuinely immerse yourself into the depths of the Grand Canyon on this more difficult trail that will take you three miles out-and-back within the canyon’s landscape. While enjoying the desert plant life and canyon views before you, don’t forget to look above at the painted rim from which you’ve just descended. Switchbacks will help you travel down the cliffside. South Rim Village Free Time: Take some free time to explore the South Rim Village where you can view more of the Grand Canyon, learn about the geology of the area and the history behind the canyon. Visit the Historic District which was the beginning of the Grand Canyon Village over 120 years ago. Look out from Mather Point where an amphitheater is built to sit and enjoy the sprawling canyon. Accommodation: Kachina Lodge (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM

Day 3: Grand Canyon National Park | Page | Antelope Canyon

Grand Canyon to Page Drive: Shuttle east towards Page, a 2.5-hour drive plus stops. We’ll make several stops along the way first at Desert View Watchtower, an unusual stone tower designed in Ancestral Puebloan style by architect Mary Colter, and next at Horseshoe Bend where an incredible view of a U-shaped bend in the Colorado River beckons photographers. Page, Arizona: Page serves as a gateway to Lake Powell, Glen Canyon Dam, the iconic Horseshoe Bend, and Antelope Canyon. Close to 8,000 people live in Page, their quaint town surrounded by far-off brushy desert hills and rock formations. Page was initially established as a housing base for Glen Canyon Dam workers and their families around 1957. Antelope Canyon Tour: Walk through the amazing natural wonder of Antelope Canyon. When the day’s light hits the richness of the canyon’s ribbony colors, you’ll be guaranteed to capture some intriguing photographs. The wavy walls will mesmerize you with their smooth texture and banded beauty. Accommodation: Best Western Plus at Lake Powell (B,L,D)

Day 4: Page | Bryce Canyon National Park

Page to Bryce Canyon Drive: Bid Page goodbye as we make our way on a three-hour drive towards Bryce Canyon National Park. Cross the border from Arizona to Utah, traveling across desert and into more green forested areas. Bryce Canyon National Park: Bryce Canyon National Park, named after Ebenezer Bryce who was a Mormon homesteader in the 1870’s, will satisfy your adventurous spirit with its options for magnificent bike rides and awe-inspiring hikes. Here you can witness nature’s powerful force on the earth, where rock and sand are twisted and formed by wind, water and other elements. Tower Bridge Hike: Head out on a trek to explore the sorbet-colored, sandcastle-like hoodoos and spires of Bryce Canyon. The Tower Bridge trail will drop you about 950 feet from the rim to the Tower Bridge site, where a natural rock bridge connects two towering rocks. You’ll hike about three miles total. Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Grand (B,L,D)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 5: Bryce Canyon National Park

Queens Garden, Peek-a-Boo & Wall Street Trails Hike: Try your hand at a more challenging trek that takes you through natural sculpted rock gardens of brilliantly colored spires, cliffs, and natural amphitheaters. You may also spy Queen Victoria during your hike overlooking her garden full of hoodoos. This hike leads you through eight miles of sightseeing from Peek-a-Boo Loop trail and ending at Sunset Point, covering an elevation gain of 1,000 feet. Accommodation: Bryce Canyon Grand (B,L,D)

Day 6: Zion National Park

Red Canyon Arches Hike: Less than a mile long, this hike provides spectacular hidden gems such as wildflowers, rock formations and of course, arches to explore. Around 15 arches are featured on this hike. At the top of the trail, view the landscape beneath you. Transfer Time: 2 Hours Zion National Park: Known for its slot canyons, soaring towers and monoliths, and scenic sandstone, Zion National Park is full of unique formations begging to be explored. Find yourself in awe as you wind through the magnificent canyon walls and towering cliffs that make up this majestic park. Delve into the 150-million-year-old history of Zion canyon’s geologic formations. Angel’s Landing Hike: One of the most popular activities in Zion, Angel’s Landing hike leads you on a breathtaking 5.5-mile, 1,400-foot ascent up a trail to what is known as the Angel’s Landing, a towering rock formation. Catch a thrill trekking the canyon pathways up to the top. Be careful walking the thin trail to the landing and make a memory arriving at your destination. Night on Your Own: Enjoy a night on your own this evening for dinner. Your guides will give you restaurant options to choose from in the area and will provide ideas on things to do on your own time. Alternatively, feel free to just relax tonight after a wonderful activity-filled day! Accommodation: Springhill Suites Springdale (B,L)

The toughest part is going home.SM Day 7: The Virgin River Narrows Hike

The Virgin River Narrows Hike: The Narrows hike is recognized as one of America's best adventures by National Geographic and is one that you will not soon forget. Spend a full day walking and wading along the Virgin River, into the sheer walled canyon of the Narrows, a more challenging hike. Soak up the captivating scenery as you pass waterfalls, natural springs and hanging gardens. Accommodation: Springhill Suites Springdale (B,L,D)

Day 8: Zion National Park | Las Vegas Departure

Emerald Pools Hike: An oasis in the middle of the desert, this hike will feature what is promised in its name: Emerald pools. Around three miles long round trip, this trek may be in the desert, but you’ll find evidence of greenery and plant life fed by the water sources all along the way. You’ll also find waterfalls trickling from the canyon crevices above. Transfer Time: 3 Hours Las Vegas Departure: Your guides will shuttle you back to Las Vegas to get ready for your departure home. Accommodation: (B,L)

*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.

The toughest part is going home.SM Arizona/Utah: Bryce Canyon, Zion & Grand Canyon Adventure

Distinctive Accommodation

Kachina Lodge - 2 night(s) Built in the late 1960’s, Kachina Lodge sits directly on the rim of the Grand Canyon. Kachina lodge is a great choice for guests seeking a more contemporary lodging option. The guest rooms have a comfortable modern ambiance and are all similar in size and amenities. Many guests choose Kachina due to its prominent location in the center of the historic district. It’s a great choice for active guests as it is located directly on the . This trail spans from Hermits Rest to the Kaibab Trailhead, approximately 12.8 miles. From your room you can hike in either direction.

BW Plus at Lake Powell - 1 night(s) Enjoy the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon State at this Page, Arizona hotel, which not only offers scenic landscapes, but also offers easy access to many of the area’s most popular attractions. The well-appointed rooms at the Best Western Plus Lake Powell are charmingly decorated in southwest décor and offer free high-speed wireless Internet access, a Keurig Coffee maker, a hairdryer and much more. Many guests take advantage of the seasonal outdoor heated pool and hot tub – it’s the perfect way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or just to take a break and soak in the Arizona sun.

Bryce Canyon Grand - 2 night(s) Located in southwest Utah just north of Bryce Canyon National Park, the Bryce Canyon Grand Hotel is surrounded by fantastic scenery, most notably rock spires of every shape and size, known locally as "hoodoos." Experience for yourself Bryce Canyon's newest and most luxurious accommodations and amenities with the best in western hospitality. The Bryce Canyon Grand offers an enclosed courtyard offering guest privacy for the pool, whirlpool, and patio areas. You’re invited to experience Bryce Canyon City's newest lodging facilities while visiting the breathtaking Bryce Canyon National Park.

The toughest part is going home.SM Springhill Suites Springdale - 2 night(s) The award-winning SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park offers a comfortable, elegant setting for adventurers. Located only one mile from Zion's gate, the Springhill Suites is centrally located to explore everything southern Utah has to offer. After an exciting day of hiking, treat yourself to the luxuries the SpringHill Suites has to offer. Enjoy the outdoor pool and hot tub with amazing canyon views, splash pad, balconies, patios and fireplaces, or stroll along the Virgin River to take advantage of the desert dark night sky.

The toughest part is going home.SM Arizona/Utah: Bryce Canyon, Zion & Grand Canyon Adventure

Activities Featured on This Trip

Hiking: Most hikes on this adventure are considered easy to moderate (2 to 4 miles with up to 400 feet of elevation gain). Oftentimes, we’ll do several shorter hikes over the course of one day. If a more difficult hike is listed on this itinerary, its mileage and elevation gain will be listed in the day’s activity description within the detailed itinerary.

What's Included?

Included in Trip Price:

• Double occupancy rooms with private baths • All meals as listed in itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner) • Fully trained, first-aid certified professional guides and knowledgeable local partners • Any necessary equipment - all safe and well-maintained • Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip • Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service • Access to a guest portal with trip planner materials • Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities, and national park entrance and permit fees

Not Included in Trip Price:

• Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides • Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities • One dinner during the trip • Pre- and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses • Air and land transportation to/from host cities • All types of travel insurance • Personal expenses

The toughest part is going home.SM